Podcasts for Student Listening

Jason Jaffe, 6th grade teacher at Mill Creek Elementary School, writes this question:

Tony, do you have a list of some good educational podcasts that can be used to integrate with elementary students. Sites such as NASA, National Geographic...etc?

With over 30,000 podcasts out there today, it might be hard to find quality podcasts that you can actually use with students. Here are some podcasts that could be put to good use in classrooms:

Grammar Girl -
"Short, friendly tips for better writing. Whether English is your first language, these grammar, punctuation, style, and business tips will make you a better and more successful writer."

English Idioms and Slang -
"English idioms and slang lessons and study for those learning English. Learn by listening to these short podcasts."

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day -
"Build your vocabulary with Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day! Each day a Merriam-Webster editor offers insight into a fascinating new word; explaining its meaning, current use, and little-known details about its origin."

Space.com Universal Space Podcast -
"Space.com's podcast features deep auditory examinations of topics and phenomena in the universe of space science and technology."

Dr. Carlson's Science Theater -
"Video podcast of cool science demonstrations. Join Dr. Matt Carlson as he risks life, limb, and dignity to bring you the finest science videos on Earth."

Mr. Wizard's Fun Science Facts -
"Mr. Wizard is here to provide you with Ten Minute Lessons on everyday science From physics to chemistry, biology to geology, the team behind Mr. Wizard is here to answer all of your tough questions."

PRI's The World - Geo Quiz -
"The World's Geo Quiz tests your knowledge of world geography and introduces you to the fascinating people and places around the globe."

Earthwatch Radio -
"Earthwatch Radio is produces by the staff and students at the Sea Grant Institute for Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The podcast covers a wide range of subjects that concern science and the environment."

History Podcast -
"History Podcast is a show simply devoted to history. Anything and everything related to history will be covered. Topics include historical figures and events."

National Geographic Magazine -
"Explore Earth's deepest trench. Discover Africa on foot. Go inside your DNA. Get the best of 118 years of adventure, meet the cultures and creatures that inhabit our globe in this series of podcasts."

Also check out iTunes' section Kids and Family. It has fun storytelling and comedy podcasts for younger listeners like Storynory and The Radio Adventures of Dr. Floyd.

The listing above is just a start and doesn't include my favorite kind: podcasts by kids. Periodically I'll post new podcasts that I think would be great for student listening. If you, dear readers, have podcasts you would like to suggest, please leave it in a comment!